A 92nd-minute penalty appeal waved away, a red card, and a late defensive giveaway marked France's 1-1 draw with Italy, a night of fine margins that ended Zinedine Zidane's perfect start as national team coach. Michael Olise's stunning free-kick routine had the Stade de France on its feet, but Alessandro Bastoni's 68th-minute equaliser ensured the points were shared at the top of UEFA Nations League Group A1.
Olise curls France in front from set piece
Michael Olise broke the deadlock in the 55th minute with a moment of individual brilliance. After a short combination with Rayan Cherki from a free kick, Olise curled a 22-meter left-footed strike into the top corner with the help of the underside of the crossbar. The goal was his ninth for France, and he has now contributed a goal or an assist in each of his first three matches under Zidane.
France had dominated with 65% possession and managed 18 shots to Italy's 14, but the scoreline remained level heading into the break. The breakthrough felt inevitable given the hosts' control, but Italy's compact defence limited clear openings until Olise's brilliant moment.
Bastoni capitalises on costly error
Italy's response came after an error France will rue. Lucas Da Cunha's defensive giveaway on the edge of the penalty box gifted the ball to the visitors, and Alessandro Bastoni made no mistake, beating Mike Maignan to level at 1-1 in the 68th minute. Italy had only managed two shots on target all night, but Bastoni's clinical finish ensured their one clear chance was converted.
The goal changed the course of the match. France had looked as though they had everything under control, but the equaliser exposed fragility in a side that had conceded just one goal in the campaign until then. Italy's four yellow cards reflected their physical approach to disrupting France's rhythm, while the hosts were not booked at all.
Upamecano sent off as France push for winner
Dayotchanculle Upamecano was shown a second yellow card in the 85th minute for pulling back Moise Kean, having earlier been booked for an altercation with the Italian striker. The red card forced France to seek a winner with ten men, and their final push produced a dramatic late moment.
In the 92nd minute, Olise went down inside the area under a challenge from Bastoni, sparking loud penalty appeals. Referee Jesús Gil Manzano waved them away, and VAR upheld the on-field decision, leaving the 77,118 spectators at the Stade de France disappointed as the final whistle blew moments later. Zidane said after the draw: "I am pleased with the performance but not with the result because I think we deserved better, but that is football."
The result leaves France top of Group A1 on seven points, unbeaten after three matches. Italy sit third on four points, with very little margin for error in the group. For Zidane, the winning start may be over, but what matters more is that his side remain top of the group and unbeaten.
Match Information
Competition: UEFA Nations League
Date & Time: Friday 2 October 2026, 20:45 CET
Venue: Stade de France, Paris
Referee: Jesús Gil Manzano
